Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas fall under the Construction and Extraction category in the U.S. occupational classification. Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas earn a median salary of $62,740 per year, ranking in the top 43% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.5% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do derrick operators, oil and gas earn?

The median annual wage for derrick operators, oil and gas is $62,740. That puts derrick operators, oil and gas at #346 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is derrick operators, oil and gas a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for derrick operators, oil and gas is +0.5%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 11K positions in 2024 to 11K in 2034, a net change of 0K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do derrick operators, oil and gas do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working derrick operators, oil and gas, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
2. 2.Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
3. 3.Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
4. 4.Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
5. 5.Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
6. 6.Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
7. 7.Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
8. 8.Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.

Top skills for derrick operators, oil and gas

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become derrick operators, oil and ga?

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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• Pile Driver Operators
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Common questions parents ask about derrick operators, oil and gas